Clergy and Staff

Pastor Zeck came to us in 2015, bringing new life to the church. He is full of grace and good humor. His sermons cut to the core message of the Christian faith and urge us all to live lives of higher grace and goodwill. In other words, he is very down-to-earth and tells us how it is, which is good!

I am grateful to the Almighty God for the journey of life. Like the Psalmist says, “I will live and declare the glory of the Lord,” by the grace of God. I am blessed to be the oldest of my parent’s children. Thus far, I hope I have lived up to the expectations of being the oldest to my brothers. I cherish every moment with my siblings. I have a beautiful wife Assata and lovely kids. I enjoy my wife and kids keeping me busy. I appreciate them keeping me happy most of the time. Surely, they are fun to be around. Some of my leisure times, I watch most sports on TV especially real football (soccer) and basketball. I am trying hard to start playing football and basketball during my leisure time. Pray for me! Encourage me!

“I believe that all human beings have a God given purpose. I believe my purpose is to spread the love of Jesus Christ to all. At BUMC, I am afforded the opportunity to fulfill that purpose. So at BUMC, I listen, learn, love, lead, and laugh.” (Henry laughs a lot!)

After many years in other careers, I feel like I’ve finally found what I was meant to do—work with children and their families in a faith-based setting. What do I bring to the job? First, I’m a life-long Methodist baptized at North, confirmed at Brunswick and now finding a church home here at Brooklyn. Second, I have done curriculum development and program delivery for children and adults, teacher development, volunteer recruitment and management for many years. I also have experience planning, marketing and coordinating community events. Probably most important is my desire to make a difference in the lives of children and assist them in their faith journey.

I had been a resident of the Brooklyns for 17 years. I have two grown daughters, three cats, and a grandson who is the love of my life. I’ve been involved in soccer in Brooklyn Park serving on the BPAA Committee (including 2 years as chair and founding the Adult League) and coaching youth soccer, and served as a volunteer in several organizations in the Brooklyn Park community.

I joined the staff in October of 2011 and was very excited to get the job because I love this church so much and wanted to do more for it. My faith has grown stronger working here and I’m enjoying the many new friends I’ve made.

I am a transplant from Nebraska! I graduated from UNL (Lincoln) in May of 1992 and moved to Minnesota that following August. I had visited here many times and loved the “scenery” so much that I wanted to make it my home. I married (at BUMC) my husband, Jeff, in 1999 and we have 2 sons, Caleb and Mason, both very involved in the youth programs here and they volunteer whenever they can.

I have had many jobs over the several years I’ve lived here but hope to retire from this one. When I’m not here (working or volunteering) I enjoy watching my kids play sports, volunteering at their school, scrap booking, taking pictures and cooking.

Diana helps the Finance team keep track of income & spending She can be reached in the church office on Mondays at 763-561-1684 ext. 106 or by email.

Diana says: I joined the staff of BUMC in March of 1982 and love the people, staff & variety of responsibilities that I have here. Both my husband, Jere, & I grew up in Iowa and celebrated our 49th wedding anniversary in April of 2015. Our daughter, Alison, resides in Heaven since a car accident 11 years ago. Our son Bryan lives in Big Lake, and our daughter Andrea and her husband, Sam, live in Ramsey with our 5 grandchildren.

Annually my husband & I volunteer at YMCA Camp Menogyn preparing the camp for summer activities. I am a small group leader for Bible Study Fellowship, volunteer in the AWANA program, Care Team & First Impression Ministries at Edinbrook Church. When we’re not enjoying time with the grandchildren Jere & I enjoy hiking the north shore, boundary waters area, fishing and vacationing every other year in Hawaii.